PROJECT OVERVIEW

About the Project

This proposal reimagines the long-vacant Rite Aid building at Alhambra and L Street as a thoughtfully designed mixed-use development. The project includes climate-controlled storage, ground-floor retail space along the corridor, and twelve newly added residential units along Seville.

In response to community input, the design now incorporates additional Moorish architectural elements, enhanced brick detailing, a refined color palette, and stepped building transitions to better integrate with surrounding residential properties.

The goal is to deliver a quiet, lower-traffic primary use that stabilizes the site financially while activating the corridor with housing, improved landscaping, secure bicycle amenities, and a stronger pedestrian presence. The project is intended to bring meaningful reinvestment to a long-vacant property while addressing long-standing safety and nuisance concerns.

    • A thoughtfully designed mixed-use building incorporating climate-controlled storage, ground-floor retail, and twelve residential units

    • Building height reduced and stepped to maintain scale with surrounding properties, including a two-step transition along Seville

    • High-quality residential 6-plex buildings added in direct response to community feedback

    • Expanded setbacks and enhanced landscaping, including improved residential buffering along Seville

    • Significant Moorish architectural elements and tile accents integrated to align with Alhambra Corridor design guidelines

    • Enhanced brick detailing and refined color palette to complement surrounding office and residential buildings

    • A quieter, lower-traffic primary use compared to traditional retail operations

    • Secure indoor bicycle parking and on-site air compressor to encourage active transportation

    • Improved pedestrian environment with upgraded lighting, visibility, and architectural articulation

    • Structural flexibility and ceiling heights designed to accommodate a future Fire Station 4, should the City choose to pursue that opportunity

  • In direct response to feedback from City staff, neighborhood groups, and community members, the project has evolved significantly:

    • Building height reduced to 65 feet to better align with surrounding structures

    • Floor Area Ratio reduced to 4.0

    • Twelve residential units added along Seville, creating a housing component that did not exist in the original proposal

    • Two-step height transition incorporated along Seville to soften massing and improve compatibility

    • Expanded setbacks and enhanced residential buffering with improved landscaping

    • Significant Moorish architectural detailing and tile accents added to reinforce Alhambra Corridor design guidelines

    • Enhanced brick elements incorporated to better integrate with surrounding office buildings

    • Refined color palette, including Agate Green storefront accents

    • Secure indoor bicycle parking and resident amenities added

    These changes represent substantial design refinements and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to making the project more responsive, contextual, and aligned with community priorities.

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